YearToAvoid

2011 Toyota Tundra Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 18 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2011 Toyota Tundra, 13% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 70,000 miles. A related recall (11V254000) covers a propeller shaft slip yoke defect that can break and cause loss of vehicle control.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints
18
13% of 134
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
70,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the transmission failing to lock into park, letting the truck roll away while the driver is partially outside the vehicle.
  • Some describe a fractured or broken driveshaft, linked to NHTSA recall 11V254000 for the propeller shaft slip yoke, causing shaking and loud noise while driving.
  • Others report a howling noise from the left rear axle bearing between 30 and 40 mph.
  • Several noted a clunking or dropping sensation from the rear driveshaft when coming to a stop at low speed.
  • A few report sudden loss of acceleration or stalling at highway speeds, sometimes with no warning light illuminated.
  • Owners also describe front differential and driveshaft noise at speeds under 50 mph, especially when the truck is cold.

When 2011 Toyota Tundra transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 14, 2012, latest Nov 19, 2025.

2011 Toyota Tundra transmission & powertrain complaints: complaints filed per month1Dec 2012Dec 2014Jun 2016Aug 2018Jul 2019Feb 2022
18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2012 to Nov 2025; peak Dec 2012 (1).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2011 Toyota Tundra

  1. NHTSA 11V254000Apr 26, 2011Transmission & Powertrain50,939 vehicles

    Power train:driveline:driveshaft

    Toyota is recalling certain model year 2011 tundra vehicles equipped with a 3-joint type propeller shaft. Due to improper casting of the slip yokes, there is a possibility that the slip yoke may break, causing the propeller shaft to separate at the joint and come into contact with the road surface.

    Risk: The driver could experience loss of motive power and vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and inspect the propeller shaft and, if necessary, replace it free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during may 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Tundra model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201018 (11%)
  2. 201118 (13%)
  3. 201221 (14%)
  4. 20130 (0%)
  5. 20145 (5%)
  6. 20151 (2%)
  7. 20165 (4%)
  8. 20176 (8%)
  9. 20183 (3%)
  10. 20191 (1%)
  11. 20203 (7%)
  12. 20211 (4%)
  13. 2022104 (24%)
  14. 202385 (21%)
  15. 202483 (25%)
  16. 202535 (27%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2011 Toyota Tundra have?
NHTSA lists 18 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2011 Toyota Tundra, making up 13% of all complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission or driveshaft recall for the 2011 Toyota Tundra?
Yes. Recall 11V254000 covers 2011 Tundra trucks with a 3-joint propeller shaft; improperly cast slip yokes can break and affect vehicle control. Toyota will inspect and replace the shaft if needed at no charge.
At what mileage do 2011 Tundra transmission problems usually appear?
The median mileage at failure for transmission & powertrain complaints on the 2011 Tundra is 70,000 miles.
Did the transmission issues cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 3 injuries linked to transmission & powertrain complaints on the 2011 Toyota Tundra, with no fires reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.